The same size bulb as the #87 but 21 candle power is the #1129 if you want brighter stop lights. As Chip mentioned the stock tail light bulb is a #63 which is 3 CP. Since yours is a 6 CP bulb it's most likely a #81 which is the same size as the #63. I use the #81 and #1129 in my 38. Also paint the inside of the housing gloss white. Below is my 6v 38 on the left compared to my 12v modern pickup on the right. This is the #81 tail light & gloss white paint in the housing for higher reflectivity.
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
If you change to a larger or higher CP bulb it will be closer to the lens or produce more heat. Beware: Plastic lenses can be melted or softened and distorted by more heat closer to the lens.
I have what I think are the #1129 in my 41 below. Bought them at NAPA. Car is 6v and I too painted the inside of the reflectors. I have not had any issues with the lenses deforming, that said this is the first summer I have run the car and it was only caught out at night once to date.
I have found that having an old car is a constant project that is never done. I think that is a good thing. Keeps me learning new things. Having two from different eras is just a form of higher education.
I don't think damaging a plastic lens would be an issue using a brighter stop light because of the transient nature of stop light use. Maybe if one was stopped for a long time with their foot on the brake but normal traffic I don't think it would ever be an issue. I've been using the 81 tail light and 1129 brake light on my 38 for years with a plastic lens and no adverse issues.
VCCA Member 43216 Save a life, adopt a senior shelter pet. 1938 HB Business Coupe 1953 210 Sedan
OK I found a #87 15CP bulb and the glass body is larger than the #81 and will not fit in my 1936 unit. I also found out that I had a bad stoplight switch that I will replace.
Gene you are correct, as this is what i have done, there is a forum discussion about the bulbs i tested (including standard incandescent) power ratings and photos. did all my lights, Headlamps, Parking lamps, Dash, Dome, Tail and Stop :)
AACA - VCCA - Stovebolt - ChevyTalk Love the Antique Chevrolet's from 1928-1932 The Beauty, Simplicity, History, and the Stories they Tell
Bearsfan3... would you be willing to share all those LED replacement bulb #s with the rest of us, who are interested in giving or generators a brake... using LEDs that draw less power... and perhaps you would give us the name and contact info for the company you ordered them from... Much appreciated, Sunny
The light bulb post is easy to find. Just click on BearsFan315 and go to his forum posts. Go to page 6 and the information will be at the top - Re: 1929 Light Tests.
i need to put in info on the LED headlamps i am using, they are awesome !! i did some testing in May (4 Light Options) and then installed the ones i liked in my 1929. then not too long after that i saw an email from TFS and they now sell them for the early Chevrolets !!
AACA - VCCA - Stovebolt - ChevyTalk Love the Antique Chevrolet's from 1928-1932 The Beauty, Simplicity, History, and the Stories they Tell